Canine DNA

Chinook owners have been asked by the Van Andel Institute to submit samples for DNA temperament, ear carriage and ear shape studies. The Linds and Ludwigs agreed to let Willow and Lupin participate in the studies. Today we collected saliva samples from McKenzie, Willy, Cedar, Lupin and Willow. Between them, two have helicopter ears; two have up ears; and Willow has one helicopter and one up ear.

The instructions said "you'll need a little patience for the collection. A calm dog helps too." To this end, we let the very excited dogs play Chinook tag in the rain for several minutes before attempting to "collect saliva from both sides of the mouth for about 15-30 seconds without touching teeth or lips during the sampling process" - yea right.

How many humans does it take to get a canine DNA sample?

Jon held the dog being sampled. Jeremy did the swabbing. Anna supervised. Kerstin attempted to keep the curious dogs at bay. Except for Willy, who was determined to eat the swabs, the process actually went pretty smoothly.

Anna is her cougar costume. After the sampling was done, Jon and Jeremy stayed to help us tackle the pile of unlimbed trees from the back yard. By the time they left, the burn pile doubled in size and the actual trunks of the trees were visible. Thank you so much guys. You are the best!